Cruiser Saturday Series W5

Published 15:03 on 16 Jun 2025

Four boats participated in the W5 race on Saturday 14 June. The wind was a light north easterly with the course set as Y, Z, C, M, D. The day was misty and earlier in the day there had been lots of rain. But it was dry as crews arrived at the club. There was a bit of a run on the river after the rain.

Andy with 2 crew and his new air horn, did the toots at the start. Exile had a poor start, being to the south of number 6 buoy at the gun, so he had to do a bit of manoeuvring to get across the start line legally. Keith and Paul took an early lead, with the leisure 17 just behind him, as the fleet passed Z Johnson sailed past Chis, and Walker was closing the gap. Both westerly Griffons were wary of the depth, Alastair having run aground in the same place in an earlier race. Despite the depth sounder on the MK 2 Griffon briefly showing 0 both boats did not touch the bottom. Between Z and C Andy tried to pass Pegasus II to windward, but Johnson luffed firmly to prevent him getting past. the crews of the two smaller boats were delighted at this and Seeaway extended her lead.

Johnson rounded C just in front of Exile and both boats stayed on starboard tack. The wind went round to the East on the beat which became one sided. Half way to M the rain started. Seeaway was well in front and rounded M in the lead. The two Griffons eventually tacked near Inchmickery. Pegasus II was just in front of Exile at M and this lead was maintained to D, the wind died a little after D and Walker began to close the gap. As the wind increased a little the gap between the boats became smaller. Up ahead Seeaway finished, and Andy moved a little too windward, but Alastair was expecting this and moved too.

Walker got the message and just crept forward closing the gap further. Johnson held his nerve and crossed the line overlapped with Andy but 5 seconds ahead of him. Chris was fourth across the line.